Mashburn Out At Least 2 Weeks

February 9, 1999 / 8:31 PM EST / AP

Miami Heat forward Jamal Mashburn will be sidelined at least two weeks with a deep bruise in his left knee, the team said Tuesday.

The injury depletes a lineup already without guard Voshon Lenard, who has decided to undergo surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left leg.

Mashburn appeared to be on the verge of a breakthrough season, leading the Heat with 42 points in their first two games. He hurt his leg Sunday, and an MRI Tuesday disclosed the deep bruise.

"It's very disappointing," coach Pat Riley said. "It looked like he was headed for a big year. It sets him back. It sets us back."

Lenard's surgery later this week is expected to sidelined him for at least eight weeks in the 13-week season.

The loss of the two starters leaves Miami without a third scoring threat to complement Tim Hardaway and Alonzo Mourning. The lack of firepower could make it difficult for the defending Atlantic Division champions to make the playoffs.

"We simply have to fly by the seat of our pants for a while," Riley said. "We're going to have to win with great effort and great defense."

Mashburn hurt his leg in Sunday's victory against the New York Knicks, but he's not sure exactly when. The injury began to bother him after the game.

His knee was placed in a brace, and he'll be re-evaluated in two weeks which means he'll miss at least seven games.

"It might not be our best player," Riley said. "But he was our best player for the past three weeks."